Kopecký is a Czech and Slovak surname derived from the Czech word kopec meaning "hill". Originally a topographic name, it was given to someone who lived near a hill. The feminine form is Kopecká. The surname is common in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and has been borne by numerous notable individuals across various fields. Notable Bearers The Kopecký surname appears frequently in sports, particularly cycling and ice hockey. Notable bearers include: Jan Kopecký (born 1982), Czech rally driver Tomáš Kopecký (born 1982), Slovak ice hockey player who won two Stanley Cups Lotte Kopecky (born 1995), Belgian racing cyclist and world champion Matěj Kopecký (1775–1847), Czech puppeteer and folk artist Miloš Kopecký (1922–1996), Czech actor Václav Kopecký (1897–1961), Czech communist politician Cultural Significance The surname reflects the geographical landscape of the Czech and Slovak regions, where hills are common. It fits into a pattern of Czech surnames derived from topographic features. The name is most prevalent in the Czech Republic, with significant populations in Slovakia due to historical ties.